"Like Muir himself, Essential Muir packs an astounding range of experience into a lithe frame: ecstatic yet scientific descriptions of Yosemite; the heartrending tale of that "wee, hairy, sleekit beastie," Stickeen; reflections on the society of Eskimos; Muir's touching tribute, after a lifetime of wonder, to the mighty baobob trees of Africa; and more. Fred D. White's selection from Muir's writings, and his illuminating commentary, reveal the coherence...